Autism

Like other autism/behavioural profiles, Asperger’s is a permanent developmental condition that affects how a person interacts with other people and perceives the environment around them.

A person with Asperger’s interprets and may experiencethe world around them in a different way that other people do. It is not a disease that can be ‘caught’ or ‘cured,’ and it is important to realise and accept.

Autism and Asperger’s are often associated with one another, and some believe we are all on some form of the spectrum.

Once your child receives a diagnosis, you will have many questions and be looking for the answers. One question that you may have is how is AS different and similar to other autism spectrum disorders? Asperger Syndrome exists as part of the autism spectrum but differs in early development of language from classic autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. After the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, it is important to explain and understand both similarities and differences between disorders on the spectrum.

Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism (HFA) are often referred to as the same diagnosis. While they currently exist as two separate diagnoses, there is an ongoing debate about whether that is necessary. It is possible that, in the future, they may be combined into one category. Individuals with HFA and AS have average or above average intelligence but may struggle with issues related to social interaction and communication. The diagnosis of either High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome can oftentimes feel frustrating to a parent and the child as it may seem that the terms are not clearly defined. It is essential to remember that both AS and HFA do present themselves largely the same way, and as a result may be treated in a similar way. The primary difference is that a diagnosis of HFA requires that, early in development, the child had delayed language whereas in AS, the child did not show a significant delay in language development.

If you or a family member is struggling with an autism diagnosis you may find it helpful to see your GP or meet with a trained counsellor or therapist.

At The Practice, we offer a wide range of help and support for issues surrounding autism, including; autism therapy, autism counselling, and much more. Please get in touch with us if you require help or would like any additional information.